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R. Madeleine Houk

Mrs. R. Madeleine Youse Houk, 93, of Decatur, died on May 17, 2011, at Adams Memorial Hospital.
She was born on August 22, 1917, in Monroeville to Dwight and Olga Brown Youse of Hoagland, where she was reared and educated.
She married Robert C. Houk on July 21, 1943; he passed away in May of 1999.
She had a great love of music and was a self-taught pianist who enjoyed playing for religious and social occasions. She volunteered many hours at Woodcrest Retirement Community in Decatur to provide piano music for events.
She was very proud that, at age 39, she learned to play the pipe organ at Zion United Church of Christ in Decatur, of which she had been a member.
She enjoyed crocheting and crossword puzzles.
In 1959, her family moved from Decatur to Memphis, Tennessee, for Central Soya. She was employed in Memphis by Sears for 30 years.
After the passing of husband Bob, Madeleine moved back to Decatur and resided at Woodcrest until her death.
Mrs. Houk is survived by four children and their spouses, Ellen Ahr and husband Dennis of Frederick, Maryland; Philip Houk and wife Donna of Oakdale, Connecticut; Kenneth Houk and wife Anita of Memphis; and Rose Houk and husband, Dr. Michael Collier, of Flagstaff, Arizona, and two grandchildren, Adam Houk of Miami, Florida and Emily Tinnel and husband Joe and great-granddaughter Lily of Coventry, Connecticut.
She will also be remembered by a very special niece, Diana Meyer Shull, and husband Reg of Woodburn and by good friend Beth Mack of Decatur, as well as by 11 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Mary L. Youse and Jeanette Meyer, and brothers Richard Youse and Ray Youse.
Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur will be at the convenience of the family, with inturnment at a later date.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.